Bluefield outlasts Bulldogs in women's basketball

BLUEFIELD, Va. - Growing pains continued for the Union women's basketball team, which let another good-sized lead slip away in an 80-76 loss to Appalachian Athletic Conference foe Bluefield Thursday.

The Bulldogs looked dominant well into the second quarter and after a McKenzi Himes layup, helped a 29-16 lead. But the Rams responded with a 21-4 run, though Union was able to take back the lead 38-37 at the half after Haley Brock and LeAsia Linton were able to hit a 3-pointer and layup on consecutive possessions in the final 10 seconds.

Things would remain back-and-forth the rest of the way. The Rams took a 62-59 lead going into the fourth quarter following a last-second 3-pointer by Jaydn Hoover, then proceeded to score six unanswered points to open the fourth to stretch their lead to nine.

The Bulldogs battled, even getting as close as 73-72 following consecutive Himes baskets, but couldn't get over the top, as Emily Breeding hit a 3-pointer immediately following Himes' second basket, and Bluefield eventually closed things out at the free throw line.

The loss came in spite of a great tandem effort by Himes and Linton, who finished with 25 and 24 points respectively. Himes' total was a career-high and she also led all players with nine rebounds.

Union falls to 1-5 overall and 1-4 in the AAC. The Bulldogs return to action next Tuesday with a 5:30 p.m. road matchup against Brenau.